Collection Workers

No experience is needed for collection jobs, but the U.S. Department of Labor reports that some employers prefer applicants who have at least six months to a year of experience in call centers, and some agencies prefer new hires to have several years of experience. Those with experience are more likely to land jobs, earn higher pay, and get promoted.

Because this is a people-oriented job, you must have a pleasant manner and voice. You may spend much of your time on the telephone speaking with people about overdue payments, which can be a delicate subject. To succeed as a collector, you must be sympathetic and tactful, yet assertive and persuasive enough to convince debtors to pay their overdue bills. In addition, collectors must be alert, quick-witted, and imaginative to handle the unpredictable and potentially awkward situations that are encountered in this type of work.

Collection work can be emotionally taxing and stressful. It involves listening to a bill payer's problems and occasional verbal attacks directed at both the collector and the company. Some people physically threaten repossessors and other collection workers. In the face of these stresses, you must be able to avoid becoming upset, personally involved with, or alarmed by angry or threatening debtors. This requires a cool head and an even temperament.